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Effective Circulating Tumor Cell Isolation Using Epithelial and Mesenchymal Markers in Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer
Jiwon Cha1, Hyungseok Cho1, Jae-Seung Chung2
1Department of Nanoscience and Engineering, Center for Nano Manufacturing, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea.
Cancers
|June 22, 2023
Summary
This study improved circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation by combining EpCAM and vimentin antibodies with magnetophoresis. This dual-antibody approach significantly increased CTC detection in prostate and pancreatic cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exhibit antigenic heterogeneity, with both epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes present.
- Current CTC isolation methods often rely solely on EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) antibodies, potentially missing mesenchymal CTCs.
- This limitation hinders comprehensive CTC analysis and understanding of cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a more efficient CTC isolation technique.
- To assess the impact of using a combination of EpCAM and vimentin antibodies for CTC capture.
- To compare the efficacy of single versus dual antibody approaches in isolating CTCs from prostate and pancreatic cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel CTC isolation technique using a lateral magnetophoretic microseparator.
- Application of both EpCAM (epithelial marker) and vimentin (mesenchymal marker) antibodies in conjunction.
- Isolation and quantification of CTCs from blood samples of prostate (n=17) and pancreatic (n=5) cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Combining EpCAM and vimentin antibodies significantly increased CTC isolation efficiency compared to using single antibodies alone.
- Prostate cancer patients yielded an average of 27.95 CTCs/mL with the dual-antibody method, versus 13.29 (EpCAM) and 11.13 (vimentin).
- Pancreatic cancer patients showed an average of 10.82 CTCs/mL with the dual-antibody method, versus 1.50 (EpCAM) and 3.44 (vimentin).
- EpCAM antibodies were more effective for localized prostate cancer, while vimentin antibodies were superior for metastatic prostate and all pancreatic cancer cases.
Conclusions:
- The combined use of epithelial (EpCAM) and mesenchymal (vimentin) antibodies with a lateral magnetophoretic microseparator substantially enhances CTC isolation.
- The optimal antibody choice for CTC isolation may depend on the specific cancer type and its stage (localized vs. metastatic).
- This improved method offers a more comprehensive approach to CTC analysis for cancer diagnostics and research.
